The "learning by doing" system here is actually quite clever since it mirrors how we'd develop skills in real life (this makes character growth feel more authentic). Everything you do repeatedly makes you better at it - swinging swords makes you a better fighter, brewing potions improves your alchemy, and even reading books builds up your scholarship, just like it would in reality.

Here's something interesting - you can actually speed up your learning by finding the right teachers or skill books (some of these are hidden in monasteries and castle libraries). When you're first starting out with things like lockpicking or combat, I'd really recommend seeking out basic training from someone like Miller Kreyzl, since he can teach you the fundamentals without the pressure of real situations.

The system rewards whatever playstyle you naturally gravitate toward, which I think is pretty neat. If you spend your time sneaking around and picking locks, you'll naturally become a better thief, while those who prefer direct combat will see their weapon skills improve (just remember that different weapons level up separately). For new players, I usually suggest focusing on one or two main skills at first, since trying to master everything at once can be overwhelming.

A particularly useful detail to keep in mind - some activities like horsemanship only improve through actual riding, not fast travel, so plan your journeys accordingly. And if you're interested in alchemy, starting with simpler recipes helps build your foundation before tackling the more complex concoctions.